CBS Sports released its Preseason All-America First- and Second-Teams with Penn State's season opener in Week 1 now just two weeks away. While ESPN snubbed the Nittany Lions' defense, a breakout 2024 defensive tackle earned a first-team spot for CBS. Two offensive powerhouses that catalyze the run game were obvious first-team selections and Penn State's starting center got some recognition on the second-team as well.
Nicholas Singleton and Vega Ioane earn CBS Sports' Preseason All-America First-Team selections on offense
The Nittany Lion starting running back has littered preseason first-team selections and for good reason. Nicholas Singleton posted 1,099 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on 172 carries. He also had 41 receptions for 375 yards and five more scores.
Whenever there's a mention of Singleton, there's Kaytron Allen right behind him. Though Allen didn't earn a first- or second-team spot, CBS Sports didn't forget about the backup running back that makes Penn State's run game elite and arguably the best in the country.
"Singleton is already rewriting the record books at Penn State, and he could finish with the school's career rushing title this season. Singleton this offseason surpassed Saquon Barkley's freakish record in the weight room with a squat of 665 pounds, according to The Athletic's annual Freaks List. He and Kaytron Allen form the most formidable duo in the game, and if Singleton can eclipse 1,020 yards this season, he'll take Evan Royster's Nittany Lions' career rushing record."
The talented backfield is one thing, but its level of success wouldn't exist without a strong offensive line. Vega Ioane puts up the wall on the interior for Singleton and Allen to surpass. He started all 16 games for Penn State in 2024, his first season as a full-time starter, and he didn't disappoint. Entering his redshirt junior year, Ioane will be essential to the Nittany Lions' success on the ground.
"The Penn State rushing attack would not be its smash-mouth self without Ioane paving the way for those ballcarriers through the interior. Ioane moved up to a full-time starting role last season and was a true monster — albeit a perhaps unsung one from a recognition perspective."
Zane Durant gets Penn State's only defensive recognition on CBS Sports' Preseason All-America First-Team
The Zane Durant hype is buzzing around and deservedly so. He tallied 42 total tackles, including 11 tackles for loss, and three sacks in 2024. The defensive tackle's breakout junior season was only a prelude to what he and his team expect out of him in 2025.
"Durant probably doesn't get enough recognition on the national scene, but he will this season. The bull and veteran defensive tackle leads the Penn State defense in the trenches . . . Durant only picked up All-Big Ten honorable mention honors in 2024. That changes this year."
Nick Dawkins earns CBS Sports' Preseason All-America Second-Team selection
The Nittany Lions' starting center didn't make it onto the first-team, but CBS Sports selected him to its Preseason All-America Second-Team on offense. Like Ioane, Nick Dawkins started all 16 games in 2024. He only allowed two sacks during the season as well.
He and the offensive line have big goals for 2025, which includes winning the Joe Moore Award. When Dawkins thinks about his group, he thinks about the veterans, talent, experience, leadership, and cohesion. During 2025 Big Ten Media Days, he said being a part of a group like that makes them want to be a part of something bigger — a part of Penn State history.